1. When a company (Alter, AlphaMax, MegaHouse etc.) announces a figure, which could be several months ahead or even a year, retailers/resellers opens a preorder list. Once its closed then that's it. Gunpla does not work that way, you have all the time in the world to think, check reviews, and save money to get the kit you desire. Figure collectors do not have that kind of luxury. Think fast, make your wallet ready and place a preorder. If you miss the boat, then securing that figure would be quite difficult, not to mention possibly more pricey compared to a preorder because figure companies mostly manufactures a specific set number of that product. Add the fact that if the figure was rated top-notch, then prices would sky-rocket.
2. Opening the box lowers the value. If you are the buy and sell type, then don't dare open the box. A MISB (mint-in-sealed-box) commands a higher price compared to a MIB (mint-in-box) fig.
3. Dust proof cabinets IS A MUST. If your figure starts to eat dust then cleaning could prove to be fatal for the paint finish of the figure because you would have to clean it. I was even concerned that the heat here in the Philippines might "melt" the fig or something, but Otakai (a fig-collecting forum here in the Philippines) veterans confirmed that keeping them in an air-conditioned room is not essential. Whew...
4. Deposits is mandatory. I don't ask for deposits unless the total cost exceeds 5k but in the figure-world, you have to shell some hard-earned cash right away, even if the figure would be out months later.
Still learning new stuff about figs every day, and honestly, I can feel a small sting to my finances already, no thanks to my new hobby. A photo of my loots:
Got a Naoe Kanetsugu (by Penguin Parade) and a Jubei Swimsuit White (by Alter, hallelujah for this recolor coz the Red version can cost 15k php easily) slated for a March 2012 release. Although the AlphaMax Hyakka Ryouran Swimsuit collection's calling my name madly recently. Thank god Christmas is around the corner...
